AMAA Holds Annual LA Child and Orphan Care Luncheon & Fashion Show

Beverly Hills — The AMAA LA Child and Orphan Care Luncheon and Fashion Show was held on May 3, at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Caroline Tufenkian and Ani Zakari were the co-chairs of the event. Betty Balian had transformed the hotel’s grand ballroom into a spectacular space with the theme “Journey to Armenia.”

This annual event drew hundreds of donors, supporters, and guests. More than 60 children walked the runway in Bloomingdale’s Sherman Oaks outfits.

The program opened with a prayer offered by Sara Kalemkiarian Cipolla. Then Joyce Stein and Aleen Oruncakciel delivered remarks honoring the memory of Zaven Khanjian, AMAA’s Executive Director/CEO, who led the AMAA for 10 years, and Jessica Vartoughian, a member of the LA Child and Orphan Care Committee for over 20 years.

The Silent Auction offered an array of experiences and items—from luxury handbags and fine jewelry to sporting and dining adventures. The auction was led by Sandy McNutt and Houri Kassabian. The auction committee—including Anush Yemenidjian, Diane Cabraloff, Gina Felikian, Kristina Kheshvadjian, Nicole Madrigal, Sandra Kalemkiarian, and Sara Cipolla—managed the cataloging, presentation, and online bidding.

With the help of Ariana Dermendjian, Jacqueline Geragos, and Irene and Nora Sassounian, the young models walked the runway to classical Armenian music.

The premiere of the video introduced by Tina Segel, featured the children and families directly impacted by AMAA’s programs. Every child was sponsored by the end of the luncheon.

Among the many guests were AMAA Board President Gary R. Phillips, Esq., and AMAA CEO/Executive Director Serge D. Buchakjian, who shared his experience of meeting Albert and Albina—featured in the video presentation—during his recent work trip to Armenia. Buchakjian delivered a concise speech about AMAA’s three pillars, highlighting the Child Care Program within the framework of Evangelism, Education, and Humanitarianism.

Each guest left with a beautifully assembled gift bag, thanks to Ariana Dermendjian, Christine Berberian Zenjiryan, Jacqueline Geragos, Jane Asmar, Leslie Kevorkian, Sandra Kalemkiarian, and Arsi Seraydarian.